Travel guide · Italy
Bologna: what to see and when to go
Bologna is Italy's food capital and a university town since 1088, with red-brick streets under some 40 kilometres of porticoes. It is lively, walkable and far less crowded than Florence or Venice, and the home of tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini in broth.
What to see and do in Bologna
Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers
The main square, Neptune's fountain and the leaning Asinelli tower, which you can climb for the view.
The porticoes
The arcades that shelter the whole city are a UNESCO site; the longest runs up to the San Luca sanctuary.
The Quadrilatero
Market lanes of pasta shops, delis and trattorias behind the main square.
Archiginnasio and the university quarter
The old university's anatomical theatre and the student bars of Via Zamboni.
Modena and Parma
Day trips by train for balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano and prosciutto.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Mar – Apr.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 2 hr | ≈ €130 · See flights |
| New York | 9 hr, 15 min | ≈ €510 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 13 hr, 15 min | ≈ €610 · See flights |
| Dubai | 6 hr, 15 min | ≈ €380 · See flights |
| Singapore | 13 hr, 30 min | ≈ €610 · See flights |
| Sydney | 21 hr, 30 min | ≈ €800 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €380 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Italy
- Currency
- Euro
- Good for
- food · culture · city · calm
- How long to stay
- 2–3 days
- Where to stay
- Within the old centre, near Piazza Maggiore or the university quarter, so everything is on foot.Find a place to stay in Bologna
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Bologna, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €130 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Bologna (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
Links open a sample search (Fri, Mar 5 – Sun, Mar 7, 2 people): change it on each site. If you book through these links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep improving diceando. Legal notice
Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Bologna and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Mar – Apr. Average highs range from 8° in January to 32° in July.
How many days do you need in Bologna?
2 to 3 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Bologna cost?
Accommodation runs at around €90 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €380 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 2 hr.
Where should you stay in Bologna?
Within the old centre, near Piazza Maggiore or the university quarter, so everything is on foot.
